The Philadelphia 76ers will be playing against the Boston Celtics in the 2022-2023 Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. As fans might be aware, Joel Embiid and the 76ers managed to sweep the Brooklyn Nets in their first-round matchup, winning in 4 games.
On the other hand, the Celtics struggled a bit more against the Atlanta Hawks but ended up winning in 6 games. By winning the first round, they join the Miami Heat and New York Knicks as the remaining 4 teams in the conference.
As both these teams get ready to face off, fans should certainly want to know about the injury reports and expected rosters for both sides. After all, that will help in the formation of an expert prediction regarding the outcome of this game.
Joel Embiid is listed as doubtful for Game 1 of Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics
76ers fans will be disappointed to hear that Embiid still doesn’t look perfectly healthy and good to go for Game 1 against the Celtics. This is quite devastating news for his team since he has been their best player throughout this season. Embiid has been a front-runner for the MVP award this season by averaging 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists.
Unfortunately, the knee injury he suffered in Game 3 of the first round doesn’t seem to have healed completely. Therefore, he is listed as doubtful for this game. It will fall upon the remaining members of his team to get this win if he does not play. With that being said, here are the injury reports and expected rosters for both the 76ers and Celtics.
Philadelphia 76ers injury report
- Joel Embiid (doubtful)
Philadelphia 76ers expected roster
- James Harden
- Tyrese Maxey
- Tobias Harris
- PJ Tucker
- Paul Reed
Boston Celtics injury report
- Danilo Gallinari (out)
Boston Celtics expected roster
- Marcus Smart
- Derrick White
- Jayson Tatum
- Jaylen Brown
- Al Horford
With the exception of Joel Embiid and Danilo Gallinari, both teams look healthy tonight. Now, let us take a look at the expert predicitions for this game.
The Celtics are favored to take Game 1 over the 76ers
Boston and Philadelphia have already met in the postseason. The Celtics have always managed to come out on top. However, that was before the 76ers added James Harden to their roster. By doing so, they have certainly given themselves a fighting chance over the Celtics.
Unfortunately, that is not expected to be the case tonight since Joel is unlikely to play. Moreover, the Celtics have a homecourt advantage for the first two games of this series and are likely to hold on to it. Especially if Embiid isn’t healthy and dominant on the court. Therefore, we have Boston winning Game 1 over the 76ers.